Markets: FTSE 100 ends the week on a low note
The FTSE 100 went into the long weekend on a low note on Friday, sliding 1.3% to close at 6,241.
- FTSE 100 down 1.3% to 6,241
- Gold down 0.11% to $1,291.55/oz
- £/$ 1.4673
FTSE 100
Banks had a bad day. RBS was the biggest faller, down 5.7%, while HSBC lost 3.2% and Standard Chartered was 3% lower.
In Europe, the Paris CAC 40 rose 0.3% to 4,442, and the German Xetra Dax gained 0.8% to 10,123.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
In the US yesterday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6% to 17,891, the S&P 500 added 0.8% to 2,081, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.9% to 4,817.
Overnight in Japan, the Nikkei 225 slid 3.1% to 16,147, and the broader Topix index was 3% lower at 1,299. And in China, the CSI 300 rose 1.8% to 3,213 and the Shanghai Composite added 1.9% to 2,992.
Brent spot was trading at $46.33 early today, and in New York, crude oil was at $45.26. Spot gold was trading at $1,301 an ounce, silver was at $17.65 and platinum was at $1,087.
In the forex markets this morning, sterling was trading against the US dollar at 1.4632 and against the euro at 1.2849. The dollar was trading at 0.8781 against the euro and 107.12 against the Japanese yen.
And today, HSBC reported a steep fall in first-quarter profits. Statutory pre-tax profit for the three months to the end of March fell by 18% to £2.9bn, with the bank citing "challenging market conditions" and "extreme levels of volatility" in the markets. Revenue fell by 4% to £13.9bn.
Sign up for MoneyWeek's newsletters
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
Trouble brews in B&M as bargain shops take a hit
Opinion Once a stock market darling, B&M's share price has slumped. What has gone wrong for bargain shops?
-
US and China reach a ceasefire in their trade war after talks in London
The US and China's trading relationship – the most important one in the global economy – is back on track. Will the truce last?